Chapter 175: Testing (again) I
Once again, standing in line to be tested for admission to the University, we find ourselves a much-more nervous-than-the-first-time Elliot waiting patiently.
They say that ignorance is bliss, and there is truth to the statement. The breadth of knowledge needed for one beginning their journey to become a certified arcanist is comparable to the highest level IQ testing/entry testing in Blue Star.
It was obvious to the Traveler (Elliot) that many who come to this world will have little chance of getting admittance. Certainly not without studying intently...
Heck, even he felt that there was a slim chance...
He had heard from students before that the Univerity is attended by those who are either lack wealth or high intelligence, never both or the absence of either. You need more riches if you lack intelligence, and more intelligence if you lack wealth.
This idea is reinforced by the fact that tuition is solely dependent on your performance during the admissions test. The masters who pose questions to the would-be students determine the amount said student will pay after they've determined their intelligence and/or knowledge.
Moreover---
"It's your turn lad..." the custodian interrupted Elliot's reflection and motioned him to enter through the curtains and make his way to the theatre's stage.
Elliot took a deep breath before straitening his clothes and walking steadily towards the venue's stage...
'I've prepared for this and have even robbed students to gain information. I'm intelligent and diligent, and I've spent almost a year pouring over each subject. If anyone can do this, I can...' Elliot comforted himself as he finally reached the familiar testing location.
....(Scene Break)...
The Chancellor, sitting in the middle of the Masters who are spread out in a semi-circle facing the stage, opened the discussion.
"Welcome young man...let's begin. Why are you here today?..."
"....to attend the University sir" Elliot answered like before but it didn't seem to spark a laugh this time as a look of recollection flashed in the master's eyes.
*cough*
"Correct me if I'm wrong..." the Chancellor continued.
"...but did you not test last year Mr...Elliot. Yes, Mr. Elliot wasn't it?"
A look of embarrassment flashed across Elliot's face as he could only nod to the question...
"Yes Sir, I apologize for last year's performance. I can guarantee that I'm worth your time now..."
*scoff*
"You expect us to believe that after finding out that this learning institute was for continuing education only a year ago, you've been educated?... This is a waste of our time Chacelor I say we--"
The chancellor raised his hand, stopping the Master from continuing...
"Master Dal, please have patience. He better understands what's expected, so we will let him continue..."
The head of the masters turned towards Elliot again, starting the standard interview progress...
"It is customary to have a recommendation letter from a graduate. Do you have it?"
"I do..." Elliot pulled out the article from his waste pouch to the surprise of the masters, but just as he took a step towards them to hand it over, the parchment darted from his hand like it was alive, adeptly caught by Master Namer.
The eccentric young master's actions caused a tense silence to appear in the room, non of his colleagues daring to question him.
Master Elodin (Namer) spread out the document and pulled a magnifying glass out of nowhere along with a measuring tape and chemical testing kit.
He didn't even bother to read the document. But in the stunned eyes of everyone else, he measured the length and width of the paper before tearing a piece of the letter off and putting it in his mouth. He chewed for a couple of bites before spitting it out and dropping a small amount of the chemical concoction on the wet paper.
*sizzle*
A small amount of white vapor sizzled off the paper when the concoction touched it, Master Namer waved the fumes towards him while breathing deeply...
"Hmm....just as I expected. Full on deceit with a hint of manipulation. Acceptable..."
The master Namer nodded before the rest of the parchment burned to flames after those present saw his mouth moving without producing sound.
*cough*
"Well..." the Chancellor tried to divert attention from his colleague by continuing on.
"....now that Master Namer has confirmed the.....legitimacy of your recommendation, we can start the test."
"Master Mandrag...you're up first..."
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